Method and apparatus for manipulating labels or the like

ABSTRACT

Printed labels which are to be introduced into the cavity of a mold for synthetic plastic material are applied to the peripheral surface of a hollow cylindrical transfer member in response to movement of the peripheral surface against a deformable tape which is held in stressed condition and yields when the transfer member is moved against its upper side whereby a label which is placed between the tape and the transfer member is applied to the peripheral surface of the transfer member to be thereupon held thereon by suction during introduction into the female die of the molding machine. The electrostatic charge of the label is destroyed prior to application to the peripheral surface, and the label is thereupon electrostatically charged by one or more metallic strips which are applied to the peripheral surface and are connected to a source of high-voltage electrical energy during application of the label to the peripheral surface of the transfer member.

United States Patent METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING LABELS OR THELIKE 27 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

U.S. Cl 271/8, 271/74, 264/22, 18/5 Int. Cl B65h 5/10 Field of Search271/8, 74, 10, 54, 14; 264/22; l8/5(B) References Cited UNITED STATESPATENTS 3/1946 Cutler 3,324,508 6/1967 Dickinson ABSTRACT: Printedlabels which are to be introduced into the cavity of a mold forsynthetic plastic material are applied to the peripheral surface of ahollow cylindrical transfer member in response to movement of theperipheral surface against a deformable tape which is held in stressedcondition and yields when the 'transfer member is moved against itsupper side whereby a label which is placed between the tape and thetransfer member is applied to the peripheral surface of the transfermember to be thereupon held thereon by suction during introduction intothe female die of the molding machine. The electrostatic charge of thelabel is destroyed prior to application to the peripheral surface, andthe label is thereupon electrostatically charged by one or more metallicstrips which are applied to the peripheral surface and are connected toa source of high-voltage electrical energy during application of thelabel to the peripheral surface of the transfer member.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANIPULATING LABELS OR THE LIKE BACKGROUND OFTHE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method and apparatusfor manipulating labels or like sheetlike bodies. More particularly, theinvention relates to a method and apparatus which can be resorted to inthe application of labels or like sheets which carry symbolsrepresenting advertising matter, scales, instructions, designs,trademarks, warnings and/or other information which can used todesignate the nature, mode of using and/or other characters ofpreferably plastic articles to which the labels are secured, eitherpermanently or temporarily. Still more particularly, the inventionrelates to a method of applying labels to the peripheral surface of apreferably cylindrical transfer member which can be employed to deliverlabels or like sheetlike bodies into a mold prior to filling of the moldcavity with a charge of plasticized material which is to form a cup, abox, a bottle or another plastic article.

It is often necessary to introduce labels or similar sheet-like bodiesinto the female dies of molding machines [as shown in the GermanAuslegeschtift 267,832] which are employed to form plastic articles. Thelabels must be introduced into the interior of a molding machine priorto introduction of plasticized material so that they adhere to or areembedded in the plastic mass before the mass hardens. As a rule, suchmolding machines comprise a female die which receives the label andthereupon cooperates with a male die to define a mold cavity forreception of plasticized material. To my knowledge, no apparatus areknown in the art which can accurately and rapidly introduce labels orthe like into the cavity of a mold for the purpose of insuring that thelabel is inserted in a predetermined position, for example, in such away that it extends around the periphery of a solid or hollowcylindrical, conical, spherical and/or otherwise configurated plasticarticle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present'invention toprovide a simple method of rapidly and accurately applying labels to atransfer member which can be employed to introduce labels into a femaledie or a like receptacle or carrier for labels.

Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can beutilized for the practice of the just outlined method and which iscapable of applying to the transfer member labels of any desired size,shape and/or consistency.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fully automaticapparatus which can apply labels to convex cylindrical or otherwiseconfigurated surfaces of transfer members and which can apply the labelsgently, without smudging and preferably in such a way that each labelsurrounds at least the major part of a preferably cylindrical peripheralsurface of the transfer member.

An additional object of the invention is to provide an apparatus whichcan manipulate labels consisting of highly flexible or relatively stiffmetallic, plastic, paperlike or other material, or of a combination ofsuch materials.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus whichcan apply blank (unprinted) labels or which can be used for applicationof labels provided with symbols representing trademarks, decorativedesigns, instructions and/or other indicia.

One feature of the invention resides in the provision of a method ofmanipulating bodies of flexible sheet material, particularly ofinserting labels in to the female die of a molding machine for syntheticplastic material. The method comprises the stops of placing an imprintedlabel or a like body of sheet material between a shape-retaining firstsurface (which preferably constitutes the peripheral surface of a hollowcylindrical transfer member having a configuration complementary to thatof the female die) and a deformable second surface (preferably the uppersurface of a flexible tape or presser element whose end portions areheld by carriages which are preferably comprises the additional step ofmaintaining the' second surface in substantially undeformed conditionprior to movement of the one surface (preferably the first surface)against the other (second) surface. Once the body of sheet material isapplied to the first surface, it is preferably held against such firstsurface by suction, at least until the transfer member enters the femaledie of the molding machine. Since the second surface is preferablysubjected to elastic tensional stresses, this second surface conforms tothe outline of the first surface in response to movement of the firstsurface against the second surface (and more particularly against thelabel which is placed between the two surfaces by a suitable labeldispensing and feeding unit of any known design).

If desired or necessary, the marginal portions of the label can befolded against the first surface in response to movement of the onesurface against the other surface so that the first mentioned or medianportion of the label is applied to the first surface in response todeformation of the second surface and that the marginal portions of thelabel are simultaneously applied to the remainder of the first surface.The electrostatic charge of the label can be destroyed prior to movementof the one surface against the other surface to prevent adherence of thelabel to the deformable second surface, and the label can beelectrostatically charged to adhere to the first surface duringapplication to such first surface.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theimproved apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction and itsmode of operation, together with additional features and advantagesthereof, will be best understood BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1is a side elevational view of an apparatus which embodies the invention,a label being shown in a position ready for application to theperipheral surface of a cylindrical transfer member;

FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus of FIG. 1 with the label in a firststage of application to the peripheral surface of the transfer member;

FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 with the label in thefinal stage of application to the peripheral surface of the transfermember;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the transfer member; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a molded article with a labelincorporated therein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The apparatus of FIG. 1comprises a stationary base or main support 3 for a pair of uprightholders or carriages l, 2 which are reciprocable along ways provided onthe base so that they can move toward and away from each other. Helicalsprings 4, 5 or analogous biasing means are provided to urge thecarriages l, 2 away from each other and to the outer end positionsdetermined by the length of a flexible weblike or tapelike presserelement 6 whose end portions are preferably adjustably and readilyseparably affixed to the carriages. The presser element 6 (hereinaftercalled tape for short) extends at a level above and abuts against therounded upper end portions of two upright deforming members 7, 8 whichare fixedly mounted on the base 3 in the space between the carriages land 2. Thus, the distance between the deforming members 7, 8 isconstant. The distance between the member 7 and the carriage 1 ispreferably the same as that between the carriage 2 and member 8.

The carriages l, 2 respectively support two pivotable leverlikedeflectors or arms 9, which extend toward each other i.e., towardtheadjoining deforming members 7, 8. The arms 9, 10 serve to supportmarginal portions ofa label 1 1 when the carriages 1, 2 are free toassume their outer end positions shown in FIG. I. The axes about whichthe arms 9, 10 can pivot are normal to the longitudinal direction of thetape 6.

The transfer member of the apparatus comprises a hollow cylinder or drum12 which is mounted in the space between the deforming members 7, 8 andis movable up and down as indicated by the double-headed arrow 12a. Thedrum I2 is maintained in a horizontal position and the means for movingit up anddown may include a mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic orelectrical drive. The mantle or shell of the drum 12 is formed withannuli of ports 13 and its interior constitutes a chamber which can beconnected with a suction fan 14a or the like by way of preferablyflexible pipe 14 containing a suitable regulating valve 14b (see FIG.4). The valve 14b can connect the chamber of the drum 12 with acompressor 140 or another suitable source of compressed gas when thechamber is disconnected from the fan 14a, or vice versa. The peripheralsurface of the drum I2 is provided with metallic strips or rings whichhave radially outwardly extending metallic pins or analogous projections(not specifically shown) adapted to be connected with a source ofhigh-voltage electrical energy by way ofconductors 16 (FIG. 4).

The round end portions of the deforming members 7, 8 engage ,theunderside of the tape 6 and the length of each of these end portions atleast equals the width of the tape.

The operation:

Prior to being placed onto the arms 9, 10 in a manner as shown in FIG.1, the electrostatic charge of the label 11 is destroyedby any suitablemeans, not shown. The means for feeding the label 1 1 from a stack ordispenser onto the arms 9, is of conventional design and itsconstruction forms no part ofthe present invention. The drum 12 ismaintained in raised position so that it does not interfere with thefeeding of labels onto the arms 9, 10.

In the next step, the drum 12 is caused to move downwardly toward oragainst the tape 6 and to'the position shown in FIG. 2 whereby the lowerpart of its rigid shape-retaining peripheral surface engages the medianportion of the label 11 and moves such median portion into engagementwith the median portion of the'upper surface of the tape 6 so that thelatter is deformed by the members 7 and 8 and causes the label to beapplied to the peripheral surface of the drum. Such application of thelabel is assisted by suction which is effective through the ports13,'i.e., the valve 14b is then moved to a position in which it connectsthe chamber of the drum 12 with the suction fan 140. As the tape 6undergoes deformation in response to downward movement of the drum 12toward and beyond the position shown in FIG. 2, the carriages 1,2 movetoward each other, i. e., toward the respective deforming members 7, 8and cause thesprings 4, 5 to store energy. The free ends of the arms 10move toward each other in response to movement of the carriages l1, 2toward the deforming members 7, 8 whereby such free ends pivot anddeflect the marginal portions of the label Illupwardly so that a largerpart of the label is caused to move into contact with the peripheralsurface of the drum 12.

g The drum 12 continues to move downwardly toward (and if necessarybeyond) the position shown in FIG. 3 whereby the median portion of thetape 6 undergoes progressively increasing deformation and causes aprogressively increasing part of the median portion of the label 11 toabut against the peripheral surface of the drum. The free ends of thearms 9, 10 continue to pivot and to move toward each other to thuseffect further flexing of the marginal portions of the label 11 towardand into contact with the peripheral surface of the drum. The length ofthe label 11 can (but need not) be selected in such a way that the labelultimately surrounds the entire peripheral surface of the drum 12 orthat one of the marginal portions even overlaps a part of the othermarginal portion. Of course, themarginal portions of the fully appliedlabel 11 can remain spaced, at least slightly, from each other. Suctionestablished in the chamber of the drum 12 in response to suchmanipulation of the valve 14b that the drum is connected with the fan14a suffices to insure that the label adheres to the peripheral surfaceof the drum 12 while the latter is thereupon returned to and movedupwardly beyond the position shown in FIG. 1. Such upward movement ofthe drum"12 enables the springs 4, 5 to contract and to return thecarriages '1, 2 and the tape 6 to the positions shown in FIG. 1. Thesprin'gs'4, 5 subject the tape to elastic tensional stresses andmaintain it in substantially undeformed condition when the drum IZre'aches or moves upwardly beyond the position shown in FIG. 1.

The drum 12 is then ready to transfer the label 11 into the female dieof a mold for plastic articles or the like. The cavity of the female dieis preferably surrounded by a surface which is complementary to theperipheral surface of the drum. The valve 14b continues to connect thedrum 12 with the fan during such transfer of the label 11 to make surethat the label retains its cylindrical shape, i.e., that it continues toadhere to the peripheral surface of the drum. In the next step, thevalve 14b is adjusted so as to connect the chamber of the drum 12 withthe compressor 14c wherebythe ports 13 discharge jets of compressed gaswhich cause the outer sideof the label 11 to abut against the internalsurface of the female die. The circuit of the pins on the rings 15 isthereupon completed so that the label 11 is electrostatically chargedand is' thereby caused to adhere to the internal surface of the femaledie in an accurately determined position. The drum l2.is thereuponwithdrawn from the female die so that the latter can cooperate with amale die to form therewith a mold cavity which is filled withplasticized material, When the thus introduced material sets, itsexternal surface is provided with the label 11 which can carryadvertising matter, one or more graduated scales, designs representingtrademarks or other indicia of the owner or manufacturer, lettering orinstructions to use one otherwise manipulate the articles, and/or othersymbols. The symbols are applied to the outer side of the label 11, atleast when the material of the label is neither transparent nortranslucent.

The drum 12 is ready to accept a fresh label 11 as soon as it iswithdrawn from the female die so that it can be wrapped into such freshlabel during the formation of an article in the mold.

The operation of the means for feeding the labels onto the arms 9, 10 ofthe apparatus shown in FIGS. 1--4 and of the molding machine can beprogrammed so that the aforedescribed steps are carried out in apredetermined sequence and in a fully automatic way. FIG. 5 shows as anexample of a moulded article with a label 11 incorporated therein orbonded thereto a drinking cup 17 formed of plastic material by aninjection moulding machine whereby the outer side of the label 11forming the outer circumferential surface of the cup 17 has a design oftriangular sections 18, 19 which are alternately colored black andwhite. This design is part of the outer side of the label 11 which formsa homogene unit with the injected plastic material.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge,readily adapt it for various applications without omitting featureswhich fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic andspecific aspects of my contribution to the art.

Iclaim:

1. In a method of manipulating bodies of flexible sheet material,particularly of inserting printed labels into the female die of amolding machine for synthetic plastic material, the steps of placing abody of sheet material between a shaperetaining first surface and adeformable second surface; and moving one of said surfaces against theother surface to thereby effect deformation of the second surface andsimultaneous application of at least a portion of the body to the firstsurface. I

2. The steps as defined in claim 1, wherein said first surface isconvex.

3. The steps as defined in claim 1, and the additional step ofmaintaining the second surface in substantially undeformed conditionprior to movement of said one surface against said other surface.

4. The steps as defined in claim 1, and the additional step ofsubjecting said second surface to elastic tensional stresses.

5. The steps as defined in claim 1, and the additional step of holdingsaid portion of the body against said first surface by suction.

6. The steps as defined in claim 1, wherein said one surface is saidfirst surface and the additional step of subjecting said second surfaceto elastic tensional stresses so that the deformed second surfaceconforms to the outline of said first surface in response to movement ofsaid first surface against said second surface.

7i The steps as defined in claim 1, and the additional step of foldingthe marginal portions of the body against said first surface in responseto movement of said one surface against said other surface, said firstmentioned portion of said body being located between said marginalportions thereof.

8. The steps as defined in claim 1, and the additional step ofdestroying the electrostatic charge of the body prior to movement ofsaid one surface against said other surface.

9. The steps as defined in claim 1, and the additional step ofelectrostatically charging the body in response to application of saidportion thereof to said first surface.

10. In an apparatus for manipulating bodies of flexible sheet material,particularly for inserting printed labels into the female die of amolding machine for synthetic plastic material, a combination comprisinga deformable presser element of flexible material; and a transfer memberhaving a peripheral surface and movable in a direction against onesurface of said presser element whereby a body of sheet material whichis located between said surfaces is applied to the peripheral surface ofsaid transfer member in response to latters movement against said onesurface of said presser element.

11. A combination as defined in claim l0, further comprising means fortensioning said presser element.

12. A combination as defined in claim 10, further comprising a pair ofdeflectors arranged to engage and to fold the marginal portions of thebody against said peripheral surface in response to deformation of saidpresser element.

13. A combination as defined in claim 10, wherein said presser elementcomprises two end portions and further comprising movable carriages eachsupportingly connected with one end portion of said presser element.

14. A combination as defined in claim 13, further comprising guide meansfor said carriages, said carriages being movable toward and away fromeach other along said guide means, and means for biasing said carriagesaway from each other to thereby subject the presser element to elastictensional stresses.

15. A combination as defined in claim 14, wherein said carriages arearranged to move toward each other in response to deformation of saidpresser element by said transfer member whereby said biasing means urgesthe body of sheet material against said peripheral surface when saidpresser element is deformed by said transfer member.

16. A combination as defined in claim 10, wherein said transfer memberis hollow and is provided with port means extending through saidperipheral surface thereof, and further comprising suction generatingmeans arranged to draw air by way of said port means during movement ofsaid transfer member against said presser element to thereby hold saidportion of the body against said peripheral surface by suction.

plied to said peripheral surface.

19. A combination as defined in claim 18, wherein said charging meanscomprises at least one metallic strip provided on said peripheralsurface and having outwardly extending projections engaging the bodywhich is applied to said peripheral surface, and means for connectingsaid strip to a source of high-voltage energy.

20. A combination as defined in claim 10, wherein said transfer memberis reciprocable along a predetermined path and further comprising a pairof deforming members flanking said path and arranged to deformintermediate portions of said presser element in response to movement ofsaid transfer member toward said one surface.

21. A combination as defined in claim 20, wherein said deforming membersare equidistant from said path and wherein each of said deformingmembers is arranged to engage the presser element along the full widthof the presser element, at least when the latter is deformed by saidtransfer member.

22. A combination as defined in claim 21, wherein said presser elementhas end portions extending outwardly beyond said deforming members andfurther comprising a pair of carriages each connected with one endportion of said presser element and each movable toward the adjoiningdeforming member in response to deformation of said presser element onmovement of said peripheral surface against said one surface.

23. A combination as defined in claim 22, wherein the distance betweenone of said carriages and the adjoining deforming member at leastapproximates the distance between the other carriage and the otherdeforming member.

24. A combination as defined in claim 10, wherein said presser elementcomprises a pair of end portions and further comprising a pair ofcarriages each supportingly connected with one of said end portions,said carriages being arranged to move toward each other in response todeformation of said presser element, and a pair of deflectors, eachcarried by one of said carriages and each arranged to fold one marginalportion of the body against said peripheral surface in response tomovement of said carriages toward each other.

25. A combination as defined in claim 24, wherein each of saiddeflectors is pivotable with reference to the corresponding carriageabout an axis which is normal to the direction of reciprocatory movementof said carriages.

26. A combination as defined in claim 24, further comprising a pair ofstationary deforming members flanking said transfer member and eachhaving an end portion abutting against said presser element, at leastwhile the latter is deformed by said transfer member, said deflectorshaving free end portions which are adjacent to the end portions of saiddeforming members in undeformed condition of said presser element.

27. A combination as defined in claim 26, wherein the marginal portionsof the body of sheet material are arranged to rest on the end portionsof said deflectors in undeformed condition of said presser element, saidpresser element being located at a level below and said transfer memberbeing normally located at a level above said deflectors.

1. In a method of manipulating bodies of flexible sheet material,particularly of inserting printed labels into the female die of amolding machine for synthetic plastic material, the steps of placing abody of sheet material between a shaperetaining first surface and adeformable second surface; and moving one of said surfaces against theother surface to thereby effect deformation of the second surface andsimultaneous application of at least a portion of the body to the firstsurface.
 2. The steps as defined in claim 1, wherein said first surfaceis convex.
 3. The steps as defined in claim 1, and the additional stepof maintaining the second surface in substantially undeformed conditionprior to movement of said one surface against said other surface.
 4. Thesteps as defined in claim 1, and the additional step of subjecting saidsecond surface to elastic tensional stresses.
 5. The steps as defined inclaim 1, and the additional step of holding said portion of the bodyagainst said first surface by suction.
 6. The steps as defined in claim1, wherein said one surface is said first surface and the additionalstep of subjecting said second surface to elastic tensional stresses sothat the deformed second surface conforms to the outline of said firstsurface in response to movement of said first surface against saidsecond surface.
 7. The steps as defined in claim 1, and the additionalstep of folding the marginal portions of the body against said firstsurface in response to movement of said one surface against said othersurface, said first mentioned portion of said body being located betweensaid marginal portions thereof.
 8. The steps as defined in claim 1, andthe additional step of destroying the electrostatic charge of the bodyprior to movement of said one surface against said other surface.
 9. Thesteps as defined in claim 1, and the additional step ofelectrostatically charging the body in response to application of saidportion thereof to said first surface.
 10. In an apparatus formanipulating bodies of flexible sheet material, particularly forinserting printed labels into the female die of a molding machine forsynthetic plastic material, a combination comprising a deformablepresser element of flexible material; and a transfer member having aperipheral surface and movable in a direction against one surface oFsaid presser element whereby a body of sheet material which is locatedbetween said surfaces is applied to the peripheral surface of saidtransfer member in response to latter''s movement against said onesurface of said presser element.
 11. A combination as defined in claim10, further comprising means for tensioning said presser element.
 12. Acombination as defined in claim 10, further comprising a pair ofdeflectors arranged to engage and to fold the marginal portions of thebody against said peripheral surface in response to deformation of saidpresser element.
 13. A combination as defined in claim 10, wherein saidpresser element comprises two end portions and further comprisingmovable carriages each supportingly connected with one end portion ofsaid presser element.
 14. A combination as defined in claim 13, furthercomprising guide means for said carriages, said carriages being movabletoward and away from each other along said guide means, and means forbiasing said carriages away from each other to thereby subject thepresser element to elastic tensional stresses.
 15. A combination asdefined in claim 14, wherein said carriages are arranged to move towardeach other in response to deformation of said presser element by saidtransfer member whereby said biasing means urges the body of sheetmaterial against said peripheral surface when said presser element isdeformed by said transfer member.
 16. A combination as defined in claim10, wherein said transfer member is hollow and is provided with portmeans extending through said peripheral surface thereof, and furthercomprising suction generating means arranged to draw air by way of saidport means during movement of said transfer member against said presserelement to thereby hold said portion of the body against said peripheralsurface by suction.
 17. A combination as defined in claim 16, furthercomprising a source of compressed gas and means for connecting said portmeans to said source when such port means are disconnected from saidsuction generating means so that gas issuing from said port meanssegregates said body from said peripheral surface.
 18. A combination asdefined in claim 10, further comprising means for electrostaticallycharging the body which is applied to said peripheral surface.
 19. Acombination as defined in claim 18, wherein said charging meanscomprises at least one metallic strip provided on said peripheralsurface and having outwardly extending projections engaging the bodywhich is applied to said peripheral surface, and means for connectingsaid strip to a source of high-voltage energy.
 20. A combination asdefined in claim 10, wherein said transfer member is reciprocable alonga predetermined path and further comprising a pair of deforming membersflanking said path and arranged to deform intermediate portions of saidpresser element in response to movement of said transfer member towardsaid one surface.
 21. A combination as defined in claim 20, wherein saiddeforming members are equidistant from said path and wherein each ofsaid deforming members is arranged to engage the presser element alongthe full width of the presser element, at least when the latter isdeformed by said transfer member.
 22. A combination as defined in claim21, wherein said presser element has end portions extending outwardlybeyond said deforming members and further comprising a pair of carriageseach connected with one end portion of said presser element and eachmovable toward the adjoining deforming member in response to deformationof said presser element on movement of said peripheral surface againstsaid one surface.
 23. A combination as defined in claim 22, wherein thedistance between one of said carriages and the adjoining deformingmember at least approximates the distance between the other carriage andthe other deforming member.
 24. A combination as defined in claim 10,wherein said presser element comprises a pair of end porTions andfurther comprising a pair of carriages each supportingly connected withone of said end portions, said carriages being arranged to move towardeach other in response to deformation of said presser element, and apair of deflectors, each carried by one of said carriages and eacharranged to fold one marginal portion of the body against saidperipheral surface in response to movement of said carriages toward eachother.
 25. A combination as defined in claim 24, wherein each of saiddeflectors is pivotable with reference to the corresponding carriageabout an axis which is normal to the direction of reciprocatory movementof said carriages.
 26. A combination as defined in claim 24, furthercomprising a pair of stationary deforming members flanking said transfermember and each having an end portion abutting against said presserelement, at least while the latter is deformed by said transfer member,said deflectors having free end portions which are adjacent to the endportions of said deforming members in undeformed condition of saidpresser element.
 27. A combination as defined in claim 26, wherein themarginal portions of the body of sheet material are arranged to rest onthe end portions of said deflectors in undeformed condition of saidpresser element, said presser element being located at a level below andsaid transfer member being normally located at a level above saiddeflectors.